Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #15 Review

Will Frankenstein survive the Rot long enough to save the world?

Scope and scale. Those are the things that Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. does best, and those are the things that I love about the series. Everything is massive. He fights Colossi and the Titans of the Monster Planet, assembles things with names like “Soul-Grinder”, and piles the corpses of the unjust into mountains. Even the distances he travels in an issue are epic. Just when you think it’s all eye-popping cinematic sequences, though, you get some of the most realistic and touching character moments you’ll find in comics.

In addition to the huge battles, odds, distances, and stakes, this book speeds along at a wild pace. Only one page in the book has five panels, and many have three or less. The odd thing is that I didn’t feel cheated when I finished. Instead, time within the story actually seems dilated. I could feel the desperation of Frankenstein’s ride via Matt Kindt’s fearless use and Alberto Ponticelli's adroit execution of so many nearly silent panels.

The real draw of this book, however, is humanity of the story. The Burning Women, additions that could easily have been total throwaways, are presented so poetically, they could have carried the issue all by themselves. When even Frankenstein’s horse can make a little lump in your throat, you know you’re reading something noteworthy. The surprise here is Dr. Mazursky. Her moment of shared protectiveness and vulnerability isn’t a huge departure from her archetype, but, by that point in the comic, you’ve been so sensitized to the characters’ plights that her humanity is almost crushing.

Some of you may be wondering whether Frankenstein is still worth reading, seeing as the character is making his transition to Justice League Dark. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Frankenstein is still one of the best titles in DC’s stable.

Poet Mase is a regular contributor to IGN who will be watching Braveheart tonight after this inspiring read. Follow Poet on Twitter @PoetMase, or post a message on his IGN profile PoetMase.